Fiji eager for Battle of the Giants

The adaption of 90 minute matches has seen the tournament become more competitive, and Fiji Football Association President Rajesh Patel believes the increased intensity of the tournament’s matches will be beneficial for everyone involved. “Taking the games to 90 minutes is paying a lot of dividends with teams progressing well in both the local and international arenas,” Patel says.“Competition has been intensive and fierce on the local scene while our national teams have also qualified and played in world events like the FIFA U-20 World Cup and the Olympic Games.“The districts will benefit from it, the nation will benefit from it and football at large benefits from it.”The tournament has been divided over two weekends, with the pool round on the 26-28 August and the semi-finals and final played the weekend following.Patel believes this will be financially beneficial and will give fans more opportunity to watch the football action while allowing the competing teams to recover.“The fans will have the opportunity to watch their teams play in the semi-final and final and also the districts get relief from the three days of 90-minute football.” The draw was held on the 29 July at Fiji Football Association Headquarters in Vatuwaqa, where defending champions Rewa were drawn in a tough pool with Fiji FACT winners Nadi, Suva and Dreketi in Group A. Ba, Lautoka, Labasa and Nadroga make up Group B.“I know the teams are preparing well and it will again be hard to predict who will win the tournament,” Patel said.“Battle of the Giants is a very popular tournament on the Fiji FA calendar and we are thankful to INKK Mobile for their continued support and sponsorship.”Pool matches will be played at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori from 26-28 August. The venue for the semi-finals and final will be decided after the semi-finalists have been determined. For more on Fiji football visit fijifootball.com.fj